Award winning cottages and self-catering accommodation for holidays in the UK

The following country cottages and self-catering accommodation have all been recognised as top in their area or group. Please click on any cottage photographs shown to tour these superb cottages and find out what makes them quite so special and better than the rest. Alternatively, you may prefer locations starring the countryside. Find a list of country cottages in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Whether you are looking for a gold award winning cottage, any kind of award winner or a green award winner we trust that you will enjoy browsing through the excellent choice of award winning self-catering available here.

If you want more information on the main rating schemes in the UK and Ireland for self-catering properties including gold awards click for our ratings guide. For information, when it comes to the main tourist board' schemes, it is only Visit England that has a Gold award scheme to recognise excellent standards of customer service. Visit Scotland and Failte Ireland have no such schemes. Visit Wales also does not operate a Gold scheme, but instead there is a Visit Wales National Tourism Award scheme where cottages can be nominated as 'best places to stay'.

There are a variety of different award schemes in the UK though and such schemes are not limited to those run by the official tourist boards.

Award winning cottages in the Lincolnshire Wolds - 4 and 5 star

At Poachers Hideaway there are 6 luxury cottages, all located in a traditional Lincolnshire farmyard setting. Such is the standard of the accommodation here that these cottages won the award of Best Self Catering Holiday of the Year in the East Midlands area in 2005.

Each cottage is unique but each accommodates from 2- 6. The cottages benefit from use of a jacuzzi and sauna on site. For complete pampering, massages can also be arranged. There are facilities to use the internet if you require.

Enjoy fishing in the trout, carp and coarse lakes, which is reserved for residents only.

Dog kennels can be used by prior arrangement.

For large groups, conference facilities can be arranged for up to 25 to 30 people, ideal for family celebrations, meetings and corporate events

Click on the photo to find out more about these superb country cottages in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Please click on a cottage photograph for more details and to explore these award winning cottages in Oxfordshire.

Award winning cottages in north Wales

Luxury 4 and 5 star award winning cottages on a small friendly family run cottage complex near Pwllheli, north Wales. The facilities available are excellent and varied. They include an indoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi, sauna, Games room, Gym, Tennis Court and a children's play area with swings, climbing frame, slide and trampoline.

There are a number of pigs, goats, lambs, cats, dog, hens and cows that children enjoy meeting.

Within 2 miles of the cottages you can find a Blue Flag Marina and beaches so bring your bucket and spade! Please click on photograph for details.

Upper Rectory Farm Cottages in Leicestershire - several awards

Upper Rectory Farm Cottages in Leicestershire have been recognised by the following awards:

The Stone Barn is a luxurious stone barn conversion with eco friendly credentials. This self catering barn has its own private enclosed garden and has a fantastic location, in the heart of Beer Mill Nature Trails.

This luxurious barn sleeps a maximum of 12 in 5 comfortable bedrooms. In terms of the bedrooms there are 3 kingsize bedrooms and 2 twin bedrooms. Two of the kingsize bedrooms benefit from ensuite shower rooms. Enjoy sleeping on quality pocket sprung mattresses and feeling the soft, organic bedlinen.

The 'green' credentials of this property include:

Eco friendly underfloor heating

Solar panels providing hot water (with back up system)

Rainwater gathering system for toilet flushing and laundry

Recycled building materials

Specialist provision for wildlife, as a result, the owners have won a number of Gold Awards from the Devon Wildlife Trust for their work in helping Devon's wildlife

These 9 cottages are located in 22 acres of beautiful Constable Country and won the Regional Award for Excellence in 2003 and 2006.

Cottages to sleep from 2 to 8.

There is a mix of self catering accommodation available. There are 6 conversions of Tudor barns and stables, ideal for history lovers. There is also a ground floor apartment and two luxurious cottages sleeping 6 and 8, all in en-suite bedrooms. The facilities at these high quality cottages include a heated indoor pool, sauna and tennis court. Private hot tubs are available at some properties.

Click on the cottage photograph to find out more.

Secluded cottage in the Isle of Wight - won Conservation Award for 2006

This comfortable cottage has a beautiful location. It is situated within the grounds of a country house which total 60 acres. What's more, it is within a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty near Arreton on the Isle of Wight. Also of note, this cottage won the Isle of Wight Conservation Award for 2006.

The cottage benefits from a number of attractive features.

Click on the photographs for details of this accommodation on the Isle of Wight.

Award winning farm with self-catering cottage in Somerset - sleeps 6

This 3 bedroom cottage is located in an idyllic setting in Somerset, and is within the grounds of an award winning organic farm. Additional accommodation is available on a B&B basis if required. The cottage has quality décor and furnishings throughout.

If you love nature and enjoy walks then you will be pleased to hear that there are walks from very near the cottage to a farm trail and on to the pretty moorland. Peacocks can often be seen and visit the guests.

Parking is available. For complete relaxation pampering such as reflexology and aromatherapy massages can be arranged upon request.

Dogs are welcome by arrangement. Click on photograph for details.

Award winning country cottages near Preston in the north of England

Fabulous interiors - fresh spring water supply

Barnacre Cottages have impressive credentials - they are gold award winning, 5 star, self-catering cottages in Lancashire, north west England.

These cottages strive to be the best and offer high quality self catering. The cottages vary in size. Some sleep 2 and the largest sleeps 12.

Not only do these cottages offer 5 star luxury accommodation, they also enjoy a prime position with lovely views towards the coast and the Lake District. Also, being located within the forest of Bowland, they are within an area of outstanding natural beauty. The grounds are 10 acres in total and there are woodland walks nearby and you may even spot deer.

If you enjoy keeping fit then do make use of their all weather tennis court. Fishing and golfing is also possible nearby.

Click on the cottage photograph to read more about these attractive 5 star country cottages in the Forest of Bowland. Take note, if you enjoy the finer things in life, these cottages even have their very own supply of spring water.

Award winning country cottages in Shropshire in the heart of England

"Heart of England self-catering cottage of the year 2006, National Excellence in Tourism Runner up, 2007"

This large country house offers accommodation for large groups and large families and has won a number of accolades including a 5 star award. There is a farmhouse that sleeps 10 and a coach house that sleeps 4. Together, these can be booked to sleep 14.

There are fantastic leisure facilities including a swimming pool and spa, hot tub and sauna. There are also facilities for children such as a trampoline, outdoor playground, games room and even a football field.

Click on the photograph to find out more about this high quality self catering accommodation.

Award winning country cottage in the Lake District, Cumbria, sleeps up to 6

This self catering lodge in 2008 won the accolade of Cumbria Tourism 'Self Catering Holiday of the year'. The Lodge is an attractive three bedroom 3 bathroom cottage that has achieved a 5 star rating.

The cottage provides high quality accommodation and mixes modern with traditional. There is underfloor heating throughout and a log stove in the lounge.

The cottage benefits from a pleasant location in open parkland near the pretty village of Hayton near Carlisle. The cottage is also just 15 miles from Gretna Green.

Parking is available for up to 4 cars. There is also a bbq and garden furniture.

Click on the photo for more images and details of what to do in the Lake District.

Cossington Park offers quality accommodation, as recognised in its award winning status. This large country house is excellent for large groups of up to 13 people and is good for large group bookings and special celebrations. The house has been owned by the same family for a number of years who take pride in providing quality self catering accommodation. The house benefits from beautifully kept gardens and is secluded yet near to a village. The location of Cossington Park is good for visiting Exmoor, the Quantock hills, the Somerset Levels, Cheddar, Glastonbury, Wells and the Somerset coast.